Heathrow Animal Reception Centre gets solar panels and heat pumps in clean energy upgrade

The City of London Corporation has completed a clean energy upgrade at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, the UK's only facility licensed to handle all species of animals entering the country. The project installed 94 solar panels and low-carbon heat pumps to replace outdated systems, cutting the site's carbon emissions by nearly 56 tonnes per year and saving over 44,500 pounds annually in energy costs. The upgrade also reduces reliance on the National Grid, improving energy resilience for this 24/7 biosecurity operation. The investment is part of the City Corporation's Climate Action Strategy, which targets net zero in its own operations by 2027. The solar panels will power low-carbon heating, hot water, efficient lighting, and upgraded ventilation. The facility, located on the perimeter of Heathrow Airport, handles all species of animals entering the UK and operates around the clock. The upgrade was completed without disrupting operations.